We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had been living peacefully in my small two-room house until heavy rainfall caused it to collapse on one side. This happened at a time when I was going through financial difficulties, and I couldn't afford to repair it immediately. I couldn't gather enough resources for the renovation, so I had to continue living in it despite its despicable condition. It wasn't until I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly that I was able to start serious renovations to make my house decent again. I used a significant portion of the transfer to purchase building materials, including 30 pieces of iron sheets, nails, and building poles. I also paid the mason for his work. I'm glad I not only renovated it but also built an extension, adding a single room, making it a three-roomed house. Now it's easier to accommodate visitors, unlike before when I had to host them in a neighbor's house. I also purchased a new mattress for $50, replacing the old worn-out one. Additionally, I acquired two goats, which I am raising to let them multiply and grow into a herd. With these goats, I can sell them as they increase in number to meet my financial needs. Lastly, I spent some money on buying foodstuffs and other household items such as utensils that I lacked.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My house was damaged by heavy rains several months ago, and I wasn't able to repair it right away. Eventually, it collapsed on one side, and I was constantly worried that it would completely fall down if I didn't renovate it immediately. Unfortunately, I couldn't save enough money to afford the repairs. Receiving the transfer gave me peace of mind because I was able to buy building materials such as building poles, 30 pieces of iron sheets, and nails, and I could also cover the cost of the renovation. I'm currently finishing up the renovation and have added a single-room extension, so now it's a three-room house. This means I can accommodate my visitors, unlike before when I had to host them at a neighbour's house. I also bought a new mattress to replace the old, worn-out one, which no longer provided a comfortable sleep.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the transfer notification in the evening while I was resting after attending a burial in another village. I was with my son, and since I couldn't read the message, he read it for me. I couldn't hold back the joy I felt when he revealed that I had received my first transfer. I was happy because this was an opportunity for me to rebuild my house, which was in bad shape and nearly collapsing.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
What a life of sorrow to lack a reliable source of income! Currently, I depend on subsistence farming and selling roofing materials made of palm tree leaves. These activities are not reliable since their incomes are low. Farming has been affected by unpredictable weather patterns and sometimes the produce is very little, usually 1 bag of 90 kilograms per acre. The other activity is also affected since people have embraced the use of iron sheets, making this job irrelevant. This has made my household financially unstable and sometimes, I am forced to seek help from my son. Since he also has a family to take care of, his support is limited. Thus, this is what has made my life harder.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Living in a house without a door has been the case for almost half a decade. This has been a life of worry because I never had privacy at home. Also, it was hard for me to leave home for a whole day due to the feeling of insecurity. Early this month (May), my son Rodgers surprised me with a new door that he made. He fixed it and I am currently feeling to have restored my dignity. Also, I have the freedom to leave home freely. Hence, this is basically what has brought me joy.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Investing in a long-term and profitable project is generally what receiving this money means to me. Currently, I am rearing goats that belong to my neighbor, and in return, I get one baby goat after two cycles of breeding. I find this unprofitable and I have wished to own goats which will have direct profit to me. To ensure this comes to reality, I intend to spend $300 of my money to buy 10 goats. This will guarantee me a high profit since they multiply fast. In a year, I trust they would have doubled. On the other hand, I intend to spend the remaining amount to repair my house since its walls are not in good condition. Also, I will buy a new bed and mattress to replace the old ones. What a happy life to achieve these!
